Shades of Grey

  No, it's not about the book. Haven't read it and don't plan on it mostly because I very rarely read fiction. The shades of grey I'm speaking of has to do with  a watercolor painting  I made. It's been so inspiring looking at artists work linked to the various challenges I've been participating in. I know that whether it's sketching, watercolor painting, photography or digital art it all comes down to practice and patience along with talent. However, you see these works of art and can't help but feel inspired enough to try it. And hey, if it doesn't turn out you don't have to share it-easy enough, right?

  Wrong. I'm learning that sharing the (what you think is) bad or ugly may not be seen that bad by others. But more importantly, even if it is, it's a great way to get some helpful tips and feedback.

  I've been wanting to play with watercolor painting lately. It's something I've only done for creating backgrounds for journal pages. Recently I discovered a series on a local PBS station I love, Create TV. There is such a great variety of shows about cooking, gardening, travel, DIY, and art.

  Have any of you seen Bob Ross paint his acrylic landscapes?? How does he do that and make it look SO easy? I do love watching his process. But the artist that got me to try it on my own is Frank Clarke, who's show is Simply Painting. I happened to catch a show recently and besides being taken by his Irish accent and charm (there goes that Celtic thing again) I was fascinated by his watercolor paintings. Went to his website here . When I saw a free online tutorial I had to give it a go.

  And this is the result:

 

 

  It was a step by step lesson and although I don't always like doing things that way, there can be some valuable lessons learned. In this one tutorial Frank taught me so much I had no clue about! The one thing I did change was that for this monochromatic painting he used burnt umber paint (much prettier). But I took the leap and chose black-one of my least favorite colors in art when there are NO other colors involved! This was one of the prompts this week for the Fall Fearless and Fly challenge.

  Here are all three prompts:

Headline Prompt: Taking a Chance: When did you take a chance or a leap of faith? How did it turn out? What did you learn?
Color Prompt: What color do you like least? Use it!
Quote Prompt: "Don't refuse to go on an occasional wild goose chase -- that's what wild geese are for." Anonymous


   You can use one, two or all three prompts. Please visit the blog for the deets, I'd love for you to join in!

   I thought it kinda dark and ugly but decided to title it - "Riding The Storm Out" and matt and frame it. Like that makes it art. But ok, not TOO bad for a first try-just don't look closely :) It's definitely a tutorial I want to do again-in a different color. Another time. I NEED to get my hands on lots of color!!
 
   I'm linking this up to Fall Fearless and Fly,  Art Journal Everyday and Paint Party Friday. Many thanks to all the artists who link up to these challenges. You constantly inspire! And thank you for taking the time to lv. a comment with your feedback-much appreciated.

  "All our talents increase in the using, and every faculty, both good and bad, strengthen by exercise."
                                                                                                              Anne Bronte